Consultants’ Comments

• “Operates smoothly.”
• “Versatile system for endodontics, with variable speed, torque and auto-reverse settings.”
• “Cuts crown preparations at least as fast as an air-driven high-speed handpiece.”
• “Easy to adjust speed using touch screen.”
• “Setting different functions took a while to learn.”
• “Eliminate the ‚Äòsleep’ mode, which requires touch screen reactivation.”

Description

The Optima MX is an electric-motor handpiece system with a touch-screen control unit. The motor is brushless, contains fiberoptics and utilizes a converter to connect to an existing delivery unit and foot pedal. Using an existing 4-hole connector with air and water inlets, the Optima MX converts an air-driven unit into a fiber-optic illuminated, electric handpiece unit. Virtually all procedures, including implant placement, endodontics, and high-speed and slow-speed functions, can be accomplished using the Optima MX. The unit features two contra-angle attachments (high-speed and low-speed), built-in torque control and auto-reverse capability. There are five programmable settings, a light intensity adjustment and full display on the color touch screen. The complete system includes the touch screen unit with stylus, an AC/DC converter, a micromotor attachment, handpiece connector hoses, and 1:5 high-speed and 1:1 low-speed handpieces. High-speed mode ranges from 500 to 200,000 rpm when using the 1:5 attachment. Slow-speed mode ranges from 100-40,000 rpm. Eleven consultants used and evaluated the Optima MX daily over a six-month period. This product received a 93% clinical rating.

Equipment Features

The Optima MX received very good to excellent reviews from every consultant. In particular, clinicians appreciated the ease of initial set-up of the unit, low noise during use, the quality of torque output, and the feel and ergonomics of the handpiece. Optima MX featured easy and convenient attachment of the two handpieces. Operation was smooth, and the quality of the water spray and illumination was excellent. With many different functions from which to choose on the touch screen, optimal operation required some familiarity with the programs. The “sleep” mode, in which the unit shuts off after five minutes of non-use, was deemed an unnecessary feature. Sterilization of the handpieces was simple, as were cleaning and disinfecting the motor and touch-screen unit. Compared to conventional air-driven handpieces, the motor and handpiece were heavy, yet comparable to other electric units on the market. Overall, the handpiece was well received by all clinicians. Every consultant found the Optima MX to be equivalent to or better than other electric handpieces they had used or were currently using. One out of four would switch to the Optima MX, and 50% indicated that they would recommend the handpiece unit to a colleague.Editors’ Note: Beginning in September 2005, Bien Air has eliminated the “sleep” mode.